Who is running to replace Columbus lawmaker Calvin Smyre? Here’s the latest
Two Columbus Democrats have entered the race to replace the longest-serving member of the Georgia General Assembly.
The recently redrawn and renumbered district was represented by Calvin Smyre, who served nearly 50 years and became one of the most powerful state lawmakers during his tenure. Smyre was tapped by President Joe Biden to serve as ambassador to the Dominican Republic and will not seek re-election.
Here’s more on the candidates:
Teddy Reese
Democrat Teddy Reese announced Wednesday he intends to qualify for May’s House District 140 primary.
Smyre was tapped by President Joe Biden to serve as ambassador to the Dominican Republic and will not seek re-election.
Reese has run for state and local offices on multiple occasions. He most recently lost the 2020 Georgia State Senate District 15 Democratic primary to incumbent Ed Harbison. He also unsuccessfully challenged Skip Henderson for the Columbus Council District 10 seat in 2016.
“As an attorney, lifelong Democrat, and advocate for social justice and education reform, I look forward to using my skills and passion for service to represent the residents of House District 140 in the Georgia House of Representatives,” Reese said in a statement announcing his intention to run.
Reese garnered endorsements from several local politicians, including state representative Carolyn Hugley and Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.
“There is no replacing a pillar of our community in the Georgia House of Representatives like Calvin Smyre, but I can’t think of a better person to follow in his footsteps than Teddy Reese,” Hugley said in a statement. “Teddy will be an asset to the Columbus delegation and the Georgia House of Representatives.”
Zeph Baker
Zeph Baker qualified for the state house seat just before Friday’s deadline, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.
He was rumored to challenge Skip Henderson and John Anker for mayor this election cycle before Baker declared for the state house race.
Baker first ran for mayor in 2010, forcing Teresa Tomlinson into a runoff. In 2014, he lost against Councilor Jerry Pops Barnes for the Columbus Council’s District 1 seat. Baker initially declared for the mayor’s race but later changed his mind.
Baker also ran unsuccessfully against long-time State Rep. Calvin Smyre in 2008.
Baker’s finished a distant second in his most recent bid for the city’s highest office in 2018. Current mayor Skip Henderson won the election with a large enough margin to avoid a runoff.
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 1:42 PM.